The Bay Area Observer Serving Communities Along Galveston Bay VOLUME 2, NO. 07
By The Bay 8th Annual Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon Meador Park March 19, 2011
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2011
Seabrook’s Second Annual Pelican Ball A Smashing Success!
By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
Sign up now! Runners and walkers welcome. Join us for our eighth annual Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay! Saturday, March 19, 2011 •Half Marathon - 7:30 A.M. •2 person Half Marathon Relay - 7:30 A.M. Sunday - March 20, 2011 •Marathon - 7:15 A.M. •Half Marathon - 7:30 A.M. •4 person Marathon Relay - 7:15 A.M. •Early start for Full Marathon Walkers - 5:30 A.M. Venue Name: Meador Park Location: 2100 Meyer Rd, Seabrook, TX 77586 Admission Cost: pre-registration Phone: 1-866-611-4688 www.seabrookmarathon.org seabrook_marathon@att.net
Special Programs Bake Sale February 19 Kroger Parking Lot La Porte La Porte Special Programs will be having their annual Bake Sale February 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM3:00 PM located in the Krogers parking lot at 1300 W. Fairmont Pkwy in La Porte Texas. All money collected will benefit our Special Olympics Athletics .
Trail Riders Dinner Dance Johnson Space Center Gilruth Center 7 pm See the Trail Riders coming in on the Independence Trail, parading through the Webster area on Tuesday, February 22 toward the Johnson Space Center where they will camp overnight. The NASA, Clear Creek, Friendswood rodeo committee will host a dinner dance for them, public welcomed. Great live entertainment will be provided by the David Glenn, great food from Carrabbas Bay Area, along with both live and silent auctions. Tickets are $25. Remember, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is coming up March 1 - March 2 Phone: 832-769-1348 Web: www.rodeohouston.com
Skywarn Training Class In La Porte February 22, 2011 The Office of Emergency Management will host a Skywarn Training class on Tuesday, February 22nd from 6:30-9:00 PM at the La Porte Police Department building. The Police Department is located at 3001 N 23rd Street, La Porte, TX 77571. Skywarn is a group of trained volunteers that watch the skies during severe weather and relay reports back to your local Emergency Management Office and/ or the National Weather Service (NWS). These volunteers provide valuable information to the NWS to improve the warning program which could save lives and prevent property damage in your community. For more information about Skywarn, visit www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx. To register for the class, contact Kristin Gauthier at (281) 470-0011, or gauthierk@laportetx.gov.
Continued on page 2
INDEX Community.......................2-3 Crossword...........................2 Local News.......................4-5 Education............................5 Arts & Entertainment........6 Classifieds............................7 In The Garden....................8
La Porte City Council Opposes Heavy Haul Corridor
Marcy Fryday Presents The Citizen of the Year Award To Charlotte Gioannetti For Her Hard Work And Dedication To The Seabrook Community. By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
Seabrook’s second annual Pelican Ball was a sellout as more than 200 people from around the Bay Area gathered for a good cause. Attendees enjoyed the food, the comaraderie and dancing the night away to the very popular local favorite, Pee Wee Bowen Band. A silent auction and raffle were also held, and local businesses and private citizens were extremely generous with their donations to both. This year’s new dance was the “Parkie Shuffle” choreographed by Tiffany Kiro and led on the dance floor by Jenny Arunyon. The dancers known as “The Parkettes” included Mary Forbes of the Bling Bling Shop, Patty Kane of Bay Area Houston Magazine, Joel Powers, Pelican Ball Chairperson Jackie Powers and many others. The dance is always a fun highlight of the Ball. Another highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the newest member of Seabrook’s Pelican Path. Tom Diegelman introduced “Gail” to the audience. Gail’s home is in Seabrook Islamd and was dedicated on December 11th, 2010 to Gail Poston, who along with her husband Bob, were instrumental in the development of the beautiful 6 acre park in Seabrook Island. During the Ball the Seabrook Assocaition awarded its Citizen of the Year Award to Charlotte Gioannetti, and it’s Business of the Year to Bay Area Houston Magazine. Charlotte was responsible for chairing and organizing the very successful Seabrook Celebration “Pirates of the Gulf Coast” festival in November of 2010. She received the award for her service to the community. On being the recipient of the award Gioanetti said, “My heartfelt thanks goes out to all the members of Seabrook Association who made this distinguished honor possible. The past few years have been a challenging but rewarding journey. Along the way, I’ve met many dedicated citizens who selflessly devote much of their time to our community, and
they all deserve recognition. Each of us shares a common goal however--that of doing our best to make Seabrook a great place to live, work, raise families, and form lasting friendships. With each passing year, we see our dreams for our community being fulfilled. That’s what it’s
Tom Diegelman introduces “Gail” the newest member of the Pelican Path all about.” The Pelican Ball was organizaed by the Seabrook Association last year for the purpose of raising money to build a Veteran’s Memorial in Seabrook and is becoming a popular tradition. According the this year’s chairperson Jackie Powers, the event raised approximately $14,000 toward the construction of that monument. Powers said, “Many thanks to all the enthusiastic supporters of this stellar project. The Seabrook Association will continue raising funds throughout the year by selling bricks to be laid at the base of the Monument”. For more information about the Seabrook Association visit www.seabrookassociation.net, and for more information about the Pelican Ball and the Veteran’s Memorial go to www.pelicanball.com.
On Monday, February 14th, La Porte City Council boldly opposed by unanimous vote, legislation that would increase allowable truck haul weights and the development of a truck Heavy Haul Corridor. The proposed legislation would increase allowable truck weight to increase to 100,000 pounds, an increase of 20,000 pounds from current allowable weights. Several residents and experts addressed coucil with concerns about the proposed legialation before the vote. Chad Burke of the Economic Alliance Port Region explained, “We’re tasked with attempting to market and grow a vibrant regional economy. The truck traffic issue was raised several years ago, and the economic alliance formed a transportation task force, which was tasked with trying to find ways to alleviate truck traffic as it intermingled with citizens. The task force went out to try and find money to fund a study to come up with solutions to truck traffic so that cities wouldn’t have to spend their tax dollars to found the report”. Burke continued, “The Transportation committee selected a firm and awarded a contract about a year ago. A final review of that report by the Transportation committee will take place March 3rd, 2011. That report includes a lot of recommendation on how to alleviate truck traffic. One of the issues that came from that report was the heavy haul issue. Several of the companies in the region brought the subject to their contractors attention, and at that point brought it to the attention of the Economic Alliance Port Region knowing that the only way to introduce the Heavy Haul Corridor is through legislation”. Burke stated that from the Economic Alliance Port Region point of view, the benefits of a heavy haul corridor would include creation of a safer and more regulated environment, the possible reduction of the number of trucks on the road. as well as a reduction in emissions. The organization also believes that the corridor would allow manufacturers to transport their goods from the Port more efficiently, and therefore helping the regional economy. Burke also noted that ther are other heavy haul corridors in Texas along the coast. Steve Stewart of Gulf Winds International opposed the legislation and stated, “If you‘ve seen one port, you haven’t seen them all”, noting that conditions are different in other ports. “Most of the industry is moving away from where our friends want to take us, “ Stewart said. Concerns were also raised about road damage and the cost to repair it. Burke said that the funds from the permitting of these trucks could only be used for repairs on specific roads. Charles Montgomery, president of the Steamship Clerks and Checkers ILA Local 1351, addressed council on the subject of a heavy haul corridor and said, “ As a citizen in La Porte in the old Lomax area, I’m bordered by what would be the proposed Heavy Haul Corridor of 225 and Highway 146. Fifty percent of the way that I come and go to work, or come into La Porte would be compromised by additional heavy trucks. That’s a big concern for me. From a citizen’s standpoint I’m concerned about our kids on Highway 146 coming and going to and from the different schools with heavier trucks on the roads. The infrastructure that the Heavy Haul Corridor would be impacting is decades old infrastructure. It’s not something that we’re just now building. It’s going to be asked to support additional weight that was not present at the time that it was built. I think the heavy haul corContinued on page 4
Habitat For Humanity Dedicates 22nd Home In La Porte
See more photos on page 3
Seabrook City Council Recognizes Community Events Committee
Nancy Jones Accepts a Certificate of Appreciation From Seabrook Mayor Gary Renola
Seabrook City Council met on Tuesday, February 15th and presented a certificate of appreciation to the Community Events Committee. Nancy Jones was on hand to accept the certificate on behalf of the committee. City council announced upcoming city and community events, some of which included: Trash Bash on March 26th,the Carothers Gardens dedication on April 9th and Men Who Cook on April 12th. A Sales Tax Rebate Agreement with Tomato group, LLC, the City of Seabrook and the Seabrook Economic Developement Corporation for the rebate of sales taxes for a five year period, and the exemption from building permit fees for the redevelopment of Tookie’s Restaurant was
unanimously passed by council. Tookie’s has been vacant since Hurricane Ike hit the area in 2008, and some on council felt a sales tax rebate and exemption from building permit fees would help facilitate the redevelopment of the popular Seabrook landmark. Council voted unanimously to oppose supporting a kid’s fishing tournament conducted by the Professional Redfish Series to take place sometime this year. The requested amount was $4,500, however, council decided that because the fishing series is a one-time event instead of a returning event, the return on investment was not beneficial. Council voted unanimously to send the first reading of Ordinance No. 2011-04 Amendment to Chapter 18 “Buildings & Building Regulations”, and Ordinance No. 2011-05 Update and Amendment to Chapter 34 “Fire Protection & Prevention” to Planning and Zoning for review. All items on the Consent Agenda were passed by unanimous vote by council. These included: approval of renewal of General Land Office Coastal Lease for Coastal Public Lands Easement No. CL 940002, Seabrook Slough at Second Street Park and authorize the city manager to sign lease. This agreement is for ten years effective on July 1, 2009 and terminates on June 30, 2019. Also approved was a special event permit for the annual Trash Bash waterway clean-up to be held Saturday, March 26, 2011. The applicant asked for a waiver of fees and a permit for signs.
ABC COMPUTER SERVICES - 24 X 7 Business-Residential PC-Laptop-Server Networks - Xbox-TV Repairs-Security Camera Home Theater Installs
Onsite or In-House - 2 Locations
La Porte - 281-867-0429 Webster - 713-893-8920
Naticia Perez And Her Sons Tour Their New Home By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
Bay Area Habitat For Humanity dedicated its latest home in the La Porte area to the Perez family of La Porte on Saturday, February 13th with the help of local volunteers and city leaders. Peggy Baldwin, BAHFH Executive Director gave the opening welcome and greeting to those who were gathered. Reverend Brian Christen of La Porte Community Church said a prayer before the Introduction of Neighbors which included: a Gift of Bread, a Gift of Wine, a Gift of Salt and a Gift of Bible. The Transfer of Keys was given by Ed Fedall and a presentation by the La Porte InterChurch Council was given by Don Hill. House warming gifts were graciously given by Ann Zimmerman, Terry Seefluth - TLS Interiors, Bay Area Bunko Babes and St. Mary’s Catholic Church Youth Group. The Perez family is one of many helped by the organization. A teary-eyed and grateful Naticia Perez said, “you’ve given my family a home”. Continued on page 3
Pasadena Plumbing Services, Inc.
Smart Shoppers Browse In Santa Fe... But Buy It At The World Famous The
“For All Your Plumbing Needs”
CROW’S NEST ART GALLERY
281-487-4688
281-471-4371
230 Jefferson La Porte, Texas 77571
PAGE 2
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2011
COMMUNITY NOTICE
La Porte City Hall will be closed Monday, February 21, 2011 for Records Management Day. All other City Services (Fire, EMS, Police, Public Works) will resume business as usual.
Pan Jam Festival 2011
“Feel The Steel” March 26 & 27
The La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Annual “Casino Night by the Bay” fundraiser on Friday, February 25, 2011 at the Barbour’s Cut Cruise Terminal, 820 North L Street in La Porte. The ticket price of $25 per person includes dinner and $1,000 in play money. There’ll be raffles as well as a silent auction with lots of great items! Plus, a live auction will be held with exciting prizes including, a South Texas hog and deer hunt with food, lodging, and guide; a duck hunt with food, lodging and guide; Cruise for 2 on Carnival Cruise Lines; a NASCAR package, and Rodeo Houston tickets!
The La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce is again sponsoring the Miss Sylvan Beach Scholarship Pageant in conjunction with the 55th Annual Sylvan Beach Festival. Eligible contestants must be students of La Porte ISD or a verified home school student living within the district. The Miss Sylvan Beach contest is open to Junior and Senior girls and will award a total of $4,800 in scholarship monies to the winners. The Jr. Miss Sylvan Beach contest is open to Freshman and Sophomore girls. Pageant applications are available at the La Porte High School Registrar’s office during school hours or at the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce, located at 712 W Fairmont Parkway, between the hours of 9:00am – 4:00 pm. All applications must be turned in to the Chamber of Commerce office. The first 25 applicants will be accepted in each age group, and a waiting list will be formed beyond the 25. The deadline for entry is Thursday, February 24, at 4:00pm. The date of the pageant is Friday, April 29. The Sylvan Beach Festival is set for Saturday, April 30, 2011. For further information please contact Katy Parker at 281-9350937 or Dee Anne Thomson at 281-867-0240.
The 19th Annual Ed Brandon Cenikor Golf Tournament May 9, 2011 Bay Oaks Country Club
Did you know that, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 23.1 million Americans age 12 and up suffer from some type of substance abuse or chemical dependency? Did you know one of the most researched programs in the nation operates within your backyard? Cenikor has been helping people change since 1967. We would love to discuss how you and/or your business can help make the Greater Houston area a healthier and more productive place to live and work. Cenikor is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and appreciates your help in getting this message to others. For More Information Contact: Roni Archer rarcher@cenikor.org. Sponsorship information available
La Porte-Bayshore Chamber Of Commerce To Host Its Annual “Casino Night By The Bay”
Applications For Miss And Jr Miss Sylvan Beach Available
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Continued from page 1
Annual Trash Bash March 26 Under the Highway 146 Bridge Seabrook
The Kemah Lighthouse District comes alive with the beat of Steel Drums, Fire Dancers, Exotic bird shows, pet contest and a large variety of entertainment as the 8th Annual Kemah “Pan Jam” Steel Drum Festival sets up shop on Saturday March 26 & Sunday March 27th, 2011. “Pan Jam” is defined by authentic Caribbean steel drums, calypso and reggae musicians who have performed all over the world. Our headliners for this year are Freddy Harris III and Mustafa, both out of New York. The entertainment schedule also features Jerry Diaz & Hanna’s Reef, San Jacinto College, and University of Houston-Clear Lake and Lone Star College steel drum bands and many other fabulous groups. We have a new kidz zone this year with lots of cool stuff for the little ones. The fun starts on Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are lots of ice-cold beverages and festival foods available in the Kemah Visitor Center parking lot located at the corner of 6th and Bradford. Admission is free and there is lots of street parking surrounding the festival site. There are arts and crafts booths offering a variety of fun items, including Fine Arts & Handmade Crafts. Performances by “Sonny the Bird Man” and his beautiful tropical birds and a hotly contested CASI Chili Cook Off, giant inflatables and lots of family fun will round out the event. Don’t forget to bring your pets for the Bay Area Pet Adoption Pet Contest, and if you are feeling lucky, there is even a raffle with lots of great prizes. A kick off celebration will be held on Friday, March 25th in the Kemah Lighthouse district from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the participating College Steel Drum programs and Bay Area Pet Adoptions. For a complete update check the website at www.kemahpanjam.com. For more information regarding everything ”Pan Jam”, check the website or call Event Director Sandra Williams (281) 538-4165 or Carol McCants chairman @ 281-615-3187
Grand Opening of Carothers Gardens The Drusilla Carothers Coastal Gardens, located at 502 Pine Gully in Seabrook, will officially open in Seabrook on Saturday, April 9. There will be a ribbon cutting at noon, followed by an Open House until 4:00 p.m. The public is invited. The Open House will showcase Seabrook’s newest and much anticipated 8.5-acre park which boasts a lovely mission-style home, beautiful gardens and a waterfront view of Galveston Bay. The facility is an extension of and located adjacent to Pine Gully Park in northeast Seabrook. The property was acquired by the City of Seabrook through a 2007 public referendum. The property was home to the late Drusilla (“Dru”) Dickson, née Carothers, who served on the Seabrook Parks Board some twenty years ago and was instrumental in the development of the city’s prized network of hiking and jogging trails. The house and grounds are the perfect venues for weddings, social, corporate, or civic functions. It is also suitable for exhibitions, small-scale conferences, and environmental education activities. “Seabrook has never had a park property of this kind,” said the city’s Open Space Committee Chair Dori Nelson. “It enriches what our park system offers in exciting new ways. Everyone is invited to come and see the house, walk the grounds, and stroll down to the bay.” Nelson noted that visitors seeing the place for the first time often comment that they feel as if they have left town: “The spacious garden with its wooded boundaries creates a wonderful sense of seclusion. It makes a most inviting event venue.”
The Bay Area Observer Established in 2006
Serving the communities along Galveston Bay.
Editor & Publisher...........Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
Associate Editor................Carolyn Collins carolyn@bayareaobserver.com
Sales Representative............Jeanne Sadler Seabrook, Kemah Area
832-421-4777 • sales@bayareaobserver.com
Sales Representative.....Beverly Lawrence La Porte Area
281-793-7961 • blawrence506@msn.com
Sales Representative..........Charlotte Horn Seabrook, Kemah Area
281-507-8257 • charlottehorn53@yahoo.com Opinions in this paper are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the newspaper. Any erroneous statement which may appear will be corrected if brought to the attention of the publisher. Liability for errors is limited to the reprinting of the corrected version. Submissions are encouraged by mail, by fax, or by email to editor@bayareaobserver.com.
P.O. Box 305 • Seabrook, Texas 77586 Phone: 281-907-3140 • Fax: 866-596-8973 Email: editor@bayareaobserver.com
http://www.trashbash.org/site_galveston_bay_seabrook.htm Parking: Free parking under the Highway 146 Bridge Registration: Please come to the Boat Ramp area to register for the event. Every participant will be required to sign a registration form that includes a liability release section. Minors must have the form signed by a parent or guardian. School groups should get registration forms in advance, complete them and bring them to the event to minimize waiting time. You can print the registration form off the Trash Bash website. Please call (281) 474-2333 if you have problems to print the form. Area to be Cleaned: Seabrook parks and waterways. This site is a land and water-based cleanup. The work takes place at various parks and waterways around Seabrook. Schedule for the Day: 8:30 am - 9:00 am - Registration at the Boat Ramp Site 9:00 am - 1:00 pm - Debris Cleanup (see Safety Instructions) 1:00 pm - Free lunch served by the Rotary Club, recognition of sponsors, exhibits to learn about our watershed, music entertainment, door prizes, souvenirs. Youth/scout activities to earn participation patch.
Kemah Pan Jam Festival March 26th, 2011 The Kemah Pan Jam is scheduled for Saturday March 26, 2011 10 am - 10 pm and Sunday March 27, 2011 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Pan .Jam is authentic Caribbean steel drum, calypso music and reggae singers who have performed all over the world, at events ranging from backyard parties to Presidential receptions. The streets of the Kemah Lighthouse District come alive with the lively beat of steel drums at the annual Kemah Pan Jam Steel Drum Festival. We hope to see you at Pan Jam this year. Make plans now to enjoy the celebration and spend the weekend in Kemah where there’s local accommodations a’plenty mon. For more infomration visit www.kemahpanfest.com
Got An Upcoming Community Event? Email us at editor@bayareaobserver.com
Salon La Rouge
Lisa K. Cook: Owner/Master Stylist 281.474.2528 • 902 Hardesty • Old Seabrook
Hair, Nail Massage & Facials
Let me design you a new look for Mardi Gras!
Nancy Spanial, Realtor
nSpanial@BAyAreaEliteProperties.com
832.205.2576 cell
2701 Center St. Deer Park, Texas 77536
There’s No Place Like Home
Buy 3 @ $24.99 Get 1 FREE Joyce O. Ferguson (281) 914-2323
ferguson4x@msn.com
“Every time I go to work, I end up at a Spa Party!
Light it. Let it liquefy. Blow it out. Moisturize your skin!
Dunham’s Tax Service 816 South First Street La Porte, Texas 77571
Tel: 281-471-4892 • Fax: 281-470-7419 Open six days a week 9 to 5
Thank you for reading our advertising! We have been in business here in La Porte for sixty-three years. We are proud to be the oldest Accounting and Tax Preparation firm in East Harris County. We support youth programs, education, churches, anything to better our community. We are aware of most businesses in our community. If you need a particular expertise, give us a call. We may be able to help you. Our Tax Preparation fees for Individuals, Partnerships, and Corporations are quite reasonable. Our turnaround time is usually three days. We can also do your Notarizing for Documents when needed. Thanks for reading our letter and come meet us.
The Dunham Family
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 3
COMMUNITY Scenes From The Pelican Ball 2011
Habitat For Humanity.... Continued from page 1
After presentations were made Revered Brian Christen walked through the home with the Perez family for the Blessing of the Home while volunteers and well-wishers enjoyed refreshmnents. The Perez family home makes the 22nd house that has been built here in the city of La Porte. Beginning in 1976 more than 1,900 Habitat affiliates in 100 countries have built over 300,000 homes, and housed over 1.5 million people. Since 1991, Bay Area Habitat has built more than 60 homes in Dickinson, and the Perez home is the 22nd built in La Porte. The Bay Area Habitat For Humanity service area covers Clear Lake, La Porte, League City, Dickinson, Webster, Seabrook, Kemah and Santa Fe. Their door has also been open to disater victims from all over Galveston County. Homeowners are chosen based on their level of need, willingness to partner with the program, and ability to repay a no-interest loan. Each family must perform a total of 300 hours of “sweat equity” on their hoime and other Habitat homes. They must also attend financial budgeting courses befiore moving into their homes. Bay Area Habitat For Humanity thanks all of the volunteers who gave of their time, talent, skills and in-kind donations to help make the Perez family dreams come true. Some of the generous volunteers and sponsors include:
Continued from page 1
Work Crews: Deer Park High School Interact Club Deer Park High School PALS La Porte United Methodist Church Kaneka Texas Solvay Chemicals St, Mary’s Catholic Church Youth Group U.S. Coast Guard
House Sponsors: Mr. & Mrs. Jon Hodges, Evergreen Industrial Services City of La Porte Gene Kranz Foundation Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation Solvay Chemicals Occidental Chemicals Federal Home Loan Bank, Affordable Housing Program Award
In-Kind Donations: Cotton Inc., Perkins & Will Archetects, Edwin Lamm III, Attorney, Ferguson Enterprises, Lowe’s Home Inmprovement, McCoy’s Building Supply, Reid Doors, Mattress Firm, Square D/ Graybar, TLS Intriors, Valspar Paint, Waste Management, Whirlpool Appliances, Yale Lock, Smith Land Title.
Shoreacres First Annual Chili Cookoff
Team Tristan Wins the 50/50 Draw
Bryan Pickett and Ron Hoskins of RB’s Wins People’s Choice
Laverne Covington and Robert Eldrige Win First Place For Best Chili
Industrial Hookers Won First Place For Best Drink and First Place For Showmanship
Fire in the Hole David Walters Wins Third Place For Chili
TTL Wins Second Place For Chili
Jayo Washington and Jason Leopard
Judges Rates From A Scale of 1 to 10
Industrial Hookers are Kyle Mays, Evan Mays, Heather Thompson, Tatilyn, Clay and Sonny Cox David Walters, Joe Gomez and Tristan, Larry & Belinda
Joel Graham of Team JPM
Jason Leopard and Ann Apel
Robert Eldridge of La Porte Bakyard Cookers
Kenny Frazier of Dent Pot Cookers
David Walters of Fire in the Hole
PAGE 4
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2011
LOCAL NEWS Heavy Haul Corridor..... Continued from page 1
ridor deserves opposition from this city council on behalf of the citizens”. Montgomery also told Bay Area Observer that, “Everybody would be impacted by the Heavy Haul Corridor. It’s just the beginning. It will have to expand”. He also believes that the corridor will discourge the growth of communites, along with businesses that will look towards those communites for support. “I want to see more communites and neighborhoods here, he said. Phillip Hoot said, “The streets are tearing up bad enough and we’re talking about putting heavier trucks near the new elementary school. They’ve already had some overturned trucks on the 225 and 146 interchange. It’s just a bad idea. I know some people say it’s going to save all kinds of money, but I don’t think so. I think it’s going to cost us a bunch of money. We just put a bunch of money down on the Barbour’s Cut Blvd. because of truck traffic tearing that road up”. Brian Fielkow, chairman of the Texas Motor Transportation Intermodal Committee stated, “ I’m here to give you TMTA’s opposition to that proposal. The reports that we’ve seen so far lack input from experts in the field of motor transportation. As well as input from the Texas Department of Public Safety. We believe those constituencies deserves a right at the table, afterall the legal weight increase from 80,000 to 100, 000 lbs only stands to reason that the trucking industry is going to bear all the rest of the trucking costs. We have some great concerns because of safety to the public and professional truck drivers. The main reasons for our safety concerns are the conditions of the roads in the proposed Heavy Hail Corridor, especially the bridges and overpasses, and whether they’ll be able to withstand that many more trucks carrying 100,000 pounds. The driver pool in this community is basically trained to 80,000. If you’re going to say legislatively that you can haul 100,000 pounds, you’ve got a driver pool that’s not ready for this. Driver pool is as much a part of the infrastructure as the highways”. The audience applauded city council for their opposing vote, however, the heavy haul corridor will continue to be issue to the area for the forseeable future. City council also heard other concerns from the audience including the Port of Houston sound mitigation issues. Charlotte Wells of the Galveston Baykeeper spoke out about the Port of Houston and their “Good Neighbor Plan”. She said, “I have a problem with the good neighbor plan. I don’t think the Port is a good neighbor. The noise is terrible in our community. If I make too much noise in Shoreacres the police are going to come and probably ask me first to be quiet, and I’ll probably do that because I don’t want a ticket, and I will probably be more quiet because I don’t want my neighbors to be mad at me. I expect the Port to be a good neighbor and be quiet”. Phillip Hoot addressed council and said “I would like to see all the ships come into port on land power and not use auxillary engines. I live nowhere near the port and I can hear the engines humming at night. Council voted unanimously to authorize city manager Ron Bottoms to execute an agreeemnt with Ray & Hollington Archetects for the design of the new Fire Station No. 1. The total cost is expected to be $187,750 for design services. The estimated construction cost for the new fire station is $3.5 million. Council also voted unanimously to approve an ordinance authorizing a two year La Porte Fire Control, Prevention and Emergency Service District. Following executive sesssion council voted unanimously to direct city staff to pursure mediation with the Port of Houston concerning the legal issues related to sound mitigation. All items on the Consent Agenda passed unanimously by city council.
La Porte Election News The following have applied for a place on the ballot with the City of La Porte for the election to be held May 14th, 2011: Mike Clausen (I) - City Council District 6 Mike Mosteit (I) - City Council District 1 Dottie Kaminski - City Council At Large “B”
Police Blotters Seabrook Police Department 2/10/11 – 2/14/11 Assaults - 0 Burglaries - 2 CVE Citations - 9 Disturbances - 8 Domestic Violence - 3 DWI/DUI - 5 Public Intoxication - 0 Traffic Accidents - 5 Traffic Citations/Arrest - 26 Warrant Arrest - 1 Welfare Concerns - 1
Despite Frigid Weather And Allusive Criminals, LPPD Apprehends A Car Burglar And Targets Even More La Porte Police Department’s most recent efforts to combat Motor Vehicle burglaries has paid off and further motivated the Department in their mission to rid the area of Thieves. In addition to a red-handed arrest, the department has a line on another suspect which has led to a series of active Arrest Warrants. LPPD’s most recent apprehension occurred on 02/11/2011, when La Porte Officer Bennie Boles was patrolling in the City’s Meadow Crest subdivision in response to recent car burglaries within the area. While conducting his surveillance, Officer Boles observed a series of young White Males walking along Cardinal and Sparrow Streets. Knowing the potential for criminal activity, Officer Boles quickly exited his patrol vehicle and began a footpatrol canvass of the area in the 30 degree weather, which soonafter led to the apprehension of a male suspect carrying a black purse containing three Global Positioning System (GPS) units, a laptop computer, and a computer battery (still in the box), valued at $129.00. Officer Boles and detectives from the Department’s Criminal Investigations Section were able to trace the property back to two nearby residents where it was determined to have been removed from unlocked vehicles belonging to two different homeowners. As a result, charges of Theft by possession were filed on 20 year old suspect, Lance Potts of La Porte. In another series of car burglaries in the City’s Creekmont subdivision, Officer Scott Watson was able to identify a suspect by the name of Michael Montes, age 19. Through his investigation, Officer Watson was able to locate video evidence of Montes breaking into several cars in the area, allowing Officer Watson to obtain several warrants for Montes arrest. Until recently, Montes, who remains at large, was himself living in the Creekmont area. If you have any additional information concerning Michael Montes, or observe him at any time, LPPD investigators ask that you contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 281-842-3173. For other information on La Porte Police Department’s ongoing efforts to combat criminals, please contact the agency at 281471-2141. Addendum: Michael Montes was captured on February 15th by the La Porte Police Department Criminal Investigators and Street Crimes Division.
Lance Potts
W/M 03/30/1990 ARRESTED
OBITUARIES LAVALLIAS
GOOD
Alton Joseph Lavallias, 73, of La Porte passed away Tuesday February 8, 2011. He was born July 9, 1937 in Marsville, Louisiana to Mildred and Arthur Lavallias. He is survived by his children Patricia Farris, Tracey Lavallias and wife Helen, Andrea Lavallias, siblings Beatrice Ardion, Peter Lavallias and wife Linda, Alice Peck and husband Darryl, Joyce Stewart, and grandchildren Ashley Williams, Aaron Williams, Zachery Lavallias, Sade Lavallias, and Christine Lavallias. A memorial service will be held Saturday February 19, 2011 at 10AM at Paul U. Lee La Porte Funeral Home Chapel.
Trish Arthur Good, 64, passed away Saturday February 12, 2011. She was born August 16, 1946 in McRoberts, Kentucky to Evelyn Pratt and Lige Clouse. She is survived by her son Shane Arthur, sister Kay Needham, nieces Kim Edwards, Paul Kay Chatman, Sonya Watson, nephews Stephen Love and Wesley Arthur, and sister in law Becky Watson. Visitation will be held Tuesday February 15, 2011 at 6-8PM at Paul U. Lee La Porte Funeral Home. Services will be held Wednesday February 16, 2011 at 10AM at the funeral home as well.
LONGORIA
HENDERSON
Daniel N. Longoria, Sr., of La Porte passed away Monday February 7, 2011. He was born March 25, 1956 in Kingsville, Texas. Daniel was preceded in death by his father Narsciso Longoria and brother Aturo Longoria. He is survived by his mother Ofelia Longoria, wife Maria Longoria, children Daniel Longoria, Jr. and wife Heather, Priscilla Ryce and husband Troy, Anthony Longoria, Emily Longoria and Raul, Jason Longoria, sisters Mary Ramon and husband Hector, Janie Gonzales and husband Homero, and 13 grandchildren. Visitation will be held Thursday February 10, 2011 at 1PM, with a Rosary beginning at 7PM at the funeral home. Services will be held Friday February 11, 2011 at 2PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in La Porte.
Forest Ray Henderson, 57, of La Porte passed away Friday February 11, 2011. He was born January 16, 1954 in Hobbs, New Mexico to Josephine Buck and Harold Ray Henderson. Forest is preceded in death by his mother Josephine. He is survived by his father Harold, his wife Jimmie Laverne Henderson, sisters Nikki Dunn and Melissa Gustin. He graduated from Angelo State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology. He worked at Shell Oil for 27 years, going from field, to off-shore, to the refinery as a lab tech. A wonderful loving husband, son, brother, and grandfather. Mr. Henderson was a great mechanic and avid collector of many things. Memorial services in Houston and San Angelo, Texas are pending.
Michael Montes H/M 02/08/1992 ARRESTED
La Porte PD Catches Area Burglar
The La Porte Police Department has arrested a suspect in relation to a series of home burglaries on the City’s Eastside. The suspect, 21 year old Zachery Don Ables, was arrested on February 10, 2011 by investigators from the La Porte Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit. Ables is currently on parole for Burglary and was living in Deer Park. He was identified through a combination of forensic and video evidence. According to investigators, Ables has been directly tied to at least two different La Porte burglaries, but is suspected in at least four other break-ins. He is also being looked at by the Deer Park and Pasadena Police Department’s where he is a suspected in as many as a dozen additional cases. If you have any additional information regarding residential Burglaries in the La Porte area, please contact the Police Department at 281-471-2141.
La Porte Police Department 2/9/11 – 2/16/11 Zachery Ables W/M 06/17/1989
Moving Again!
Visit us on the web at
www. bayarea observer .com
CMR Jewelers
Please stop by our NEW location in March 2011 at the corner of Somerton & Spencer Hwy. (Next to Chili’s) We Have Jewelry For All Of Your Bridal Needs!
8610 Spencer Hwy. Ste. C • La Porte, Texas 77571
281-470-8282 Same great town. Same great service!
Our new location will not be “move in ready” until March 3, 2011. We will be conducting daily business such as jewelry & watch repairs by appointment for your convenience. Please call us at the above number or email cmrandjjr@sbcglobal.net for arrangements.
This ad entitles you to a 20% discount on all jewelry purchases thru April.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 5
LOCAL NEWS Second Chance Pets
How Do Light & Dark Eyes Differ?
Huey & Bella
Huey is a 10-month-old DSH black male. He is very lovable and sweet and just like a little kitten he loves to run and play. He is great with people and other kitties AND he’s easy to hold and love on. Huey has a beautiful coat and beautiful eyes – he even wears t-shirts! Huey was rescued from an animal control facility as a baby along with his siblings - Daisy and Kato, who also need a home. Please consider adopting black cats AND dogs as they are statistically often the last to be adopted. Bella is a two-year old Chihuahua mix that really likes to ride in the car. She walks well on a leash and with encourage-
By Deborah S. Bernay, O.D., Andreane B. Fagala, O.D., and Patricia A. Galos, O.D.
ment she really gets that tail up high. She recently had 3 beautiful puppies and is ready for her forever home. She is a little shy at first and has a very gentle spirit, but once she trusts you, she will jump into your lap and lick your face. She weighs about 10 lbs. and is a soft fawn color. She would make a loving addition to any family. Second Chance Pet’s annual garage sale will have a Mardi Gras theme this year! The sale is Sat. and Sun. March 5 & 6 from 9 am to 4 pm. Everything will be half-price on Sunday. The address is 1217 Mystic Village Ln., Seabrook. All proceeds will benefit Second Chance Pets, a nonprofit 501 (C) (3) animal welfare organization.
Besides the obvious, dark- and light-colored eyes may differ in ways that increase susceptibility to certain eye diseases and conditions. For instance, because light-colored eyes have less pigmentation in the retina (as well as in the iris), they may be at increased risk for retinal disease such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is because retinal pigment helps protect against damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. Less retinal pigmentation affords less protection. A recent German study also suggests that people with light-colored eyes may be at increased risk for melanoma of the eye (“uveal melanoma”), particularly if they experience increased sun exposure. This information suggests that people with light-colored eyes have even more reason to wear sunglasses.
February is Love Your Vision Month!
Great Texas Birding Classic February 18 – 21, 2011 For all you birders out there - don’t forget that this weekend is the Great Backyard Bird Count. Keep a record of what you see out back and submit it online. Have fun! Whether you are counting birds in your back yard, park or along the Bay be sure and record your count online at www.birdsource.org
Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Operation Set moved roughly 1,800 traps. “The success of this program is a reflection of the keen sense of stewardship anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts have for the marine resources of this great state,” said Art Morris, TPWD program coordinator. “Volunteers have removed more traps from Texas waters than any other state and the results show. The waning number of traps removed each year demonstrates that this volunteer effort has had a big impact.” The Coastal Conservation Association Texas, Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Research Program, and the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Reserve are providing continued support to the crab trap removal program. Numerous other organizations and companies also are volunteering their services. To participate, volunteers can arrange to pickup free tarps, gloves, trap hooks and additional information at their local TPWD Coastal Fisheries field stations. TPWD requests volunteers’ who remove traps record and submit information about the number they collect as well as any sightings of diamond-backed terrapins. For more information about the Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program and how you can volunteer, please contact your local TPWD Coastal Fisheries office or Art Morris at the Corpus Christi field station: (361) 825-3356.
TRAP DROP-OFF SITES Hoping to add to the pile of more than 27,500 derelict crab traps hauled from Texas bays since 2002, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials are gearing up for the 10th abandoned crab trap removal effort Feb. 18-27. During this 10-day period, all Texas bays will be closed to crabbing with traps. Any traps left in a bay will be assumed to be abandoned and considered “litter” under state law, which allows volunteers to legally remove any traps they find. Prior to the 77th Legislature authorizing the abandoned crab trap removal program, only the trap’s owner or a Texas game warden could legally remove a crab trap. Game wardens still collect more than 2,500 illegal traps annually, but many more remain in the water to foul shrimpers’ nets, snag fishermen’s lines, accidentally trap fish (called “ghost fishing”) and create an unsightly view. This year, in celebration of the first decade of the program, two framed original TPWD stamp prints will be given to two lucky volunteers who help out with the program. TPWD will be facilitating trap drop-off sites at several locations in each major bay system along the coast from 8 a.m. to noon on Feb. 19, weather permitting. Additionally, at all sites, dumpsters marked with banners will be available to receive traps for the duration of the closure. Volunteers may help out on Feb. 19 or work at their own pace anytime during the closure, but traps cannot be removed prior to Feb. 18 or after Feb. 27. Last year, volunteers, with the aid of numerous sponsors, re-
Galveston Bay TPWD coordinator Bill Balboa (281) 534-0110 Jones Lake State Ramp (Fat Boys) Facilitated & trap drop-off site TPWD Dickinson Marine Lab 1502 FM 517 E, Dickinson Trap drop-off site Seabrook SH 146 Bridge Public Boat Ramp Trap drop-off site Fort Anahuac County Park Boat Ramp Facilitated & trap drop-off site Chocolate Bayou State Boat Ramp FM 2004 Facilitated & trap drop-off site Pier 30 Bait and Tackle 1617 E. Hwy 332, Freeport Trap drop-off site
SCHEDULE AN EXAM TODAY!
La Porte Vision Center Helping You And Your Family See Into The Future
401 West Fairmont Parkway, Suite A • La Porte
281-471-6546
Deborah S. Bernay, O.D. Andreane B. Fagala, O.D. Patricia A. Galos, O.D.
Complete Family Vision Care www.laportevision.com
3rd Annual
Rabies Awareness Vaccine Clinic
Free Rabies Vaccines February 26, 2011 9a.m. to 1p.m.
(First come first serve)
Located at
Pet Medical Center & The Majestic Pet Hotel 1913 NASA Parkway Seabrook, TX 77586 www.yourpetmedicalcenter.com www.themajesticpethotel.com
NANCY ADAMS, D.V.M
281-326-2832 281-474-1244 Open to the public • Adoptions Available Entertainment • Regular Priced Vet Care
Visit us on the web at www.bayareaobserver.com
FARMER’S MARKET At Clear Lake Shores
A comprehensive vision screening is an important part of your overall health regimen. Regular eye exams are key to healthy eyesight as well as early detection of certain diseases including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration.
Fischers Hardware Spring Is Just Around The Corner and we have what you need for a beautiful lawn! Winter is the best time to get ready for that beautiful Spring Lawn.
Real Food • Real People • Real Community
Every Saturday Morning 1020 Marina Bay Drive (FM 2094)
SCOTTS
Next to Skipper’s In Clear Lake Shores
26-2-14
Artisan Breads & Cheeses • Farm Eggs • Produce • Meat • Baked Goods Gourmet Deserts • Coffee • Tea • Herbs • Tamales • Wares
BONUS S
$3499
Come in and let us recommend a fertilizer for your grass, trees and shrubs!
Fischers Truly “Does It Best” 1012 S. Broadway • La Porte • TX • 77571 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
(281) 470-0171
Mon.-Fri • 7:30 to 7 Sat. • 8 to 6 Sun. • 9 to 5
PAGE 6
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2011
EDUCATION La Porte ISD’s Annual Spelling Bee Winners Announced
Heritage Elementary School fifth grader Aryaman Jadhav, second from right, was the winner of La Porte ISD’s annual spelling bee, with Bayshore Elementary School fifth grader Savannah Stein the runner-up. Aryaman is the son of Supriya and Rutharaj Jadhav, and Savannah is the daughter of Rick and Cynthia Thornton. Aryaman captured the win with the word “marzipan.” Congratulating them on their accomplishments are their principals, Patricia Herrera-Johnson, left, of Bayshore and Danette Tilley of Heritage. The spelling bee was held on Feb. 10 at the La Porte ISD Administration Building.
San Jacinto College Board Of Trustees Calls For May Election The San Jacinto Community College District will hold an election for three Board of Trustees positions on Saturday, May 14, 2011, in conjunction with other statewide elections. The first day to file an application for a place on the ballot is Monday, February 14, 2011, and the last day is Monday, March 14, 2011 at 5 p.m. The location for filing for the election is the San Jacinto Community College District Sewell Administration Building located at 4624 Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena. The hours for filing are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 281-998-6183 for information. Board of Trustees Positions 1, 2, and 7 will be filled in the May election. Position 1 is a six-year term, and is currently held by Mr. Ben Meador. Position 2 is also a six-year term currently held by Dr. Ruede Wheeler. Position 7 is a four-year unexpired term that was vacated in December 2010 upon the retirement of longtime board member Mr. C. Wayne Slovacek. Those who wish to run for election to the San Jacinto Community College District Board of Trustees must meet the following requirements: Must have lived continuously in one of the independent school districts comprising the San Jacinto Community College District six months prior to the last date on which the candidate could file to be listed on the ballot; Must have lived continuously in Texas for 12 months preceding the filing deadline; Must be a qualified voter; Must be 18 years of age or older; Must be a U.S. citizen; Must not be a convicted felon; Must be aware of the nepotism law; Must serve without compensation; Must not have been determined mentally incompetent by a final judgment of a court. Voters in the following school districts elect San Jacinto Community College District Trustees: Channelview, Deer Park, Galena Park, La Porte, Pasadena, and Sheldon. Elections for the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees occur every two years, in odd numbered years. The Board is elected in numbered at-large positions, 1 through 7.
CCISD Announces Bad Weather Make Up Day The Clear Creek Independent School District announced today that Monday, February 21, 2011 is no longer a student holiday. In an effort to make up instructional time lost due to the recent winter weather, schools will now be open and classes will be held as usual. According to Superintendent Greg Smith, Ph. D., “The District had limited options to select a make-up day for students. CCISD is focused on ensuring that the make-up day provides the utmost benefit for student learning. We look forward to seeing students and staff on Monday, February 21, 2011.”
Celebration Set To Honor UHCL Professors Life Alumni and community friends can celebrate the life of University of Houston-Clear Lake Associate Professor of Literature Thomas McCall during a special event scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 24, 4-6 p.m. in the university’s Garden Room, Bayou Building, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston. McCall died suddenly Jan. 25. McCall joined the university in 1991. He also held visiting positions at Cornell University’s Society for the Humanities, the Universidad de Valladolid in Spain, and the University of Erfurt in Germany. His many publications in English and German won him international attention. A master of languages, he was fluent in Russian, French, Spanish, Arabic and, most recently, Nepali. “He had the respect of leading figures in his field and the admiration of a devoted group of students at UH-Clear Lake,” said Professor of Literature Kevin McNamara, a colleague of McCall’s. “For all that, he was extremely modest. “He was a great colleague, a dear friend, and one of the funniest people I’ve known.” An accomplished trekker and climber, McCall died shortly after his return to Houston from Nepal where he had been climbing in the Himalayas for the fifth time. In a 2005 Egret magazine article about his adventures, McCall said about hiking and climbing, “I do it for the intense beauty of it.” For more information about the celebration, call 281-283-3300.
La Porte ISD School Board Recognition Month
La Porte ISD principals presented members of the LPISD Board of Trustees with backpacks full of thank-you messages from students as part of School Board Recognition Month activities at the Feb. Board meeting. Campuses also displayed banners and presented the Board with hand-made tokens of appreciation from students in keeping with the “Follow the Leader” theme. From left are Danette Tilley, Heritage Elementary; Virginia Pierson-Turner, trustee; Cyndi Anderson, Baker Sixth Grade Campus principal; Dr. Joanne Kolius, La Porte High School principal; Dee Anne Thomson, trustee; Debbie Stewart, De Walt School principal; Craig Hulcy, Board vice president; Patricia Herrera-Johnson, Bayshore Elementary principal; Angie Garza-Viator, Rizzuto Elementary principal; Bill Snead, Board president; Charlcya Wheeler, Board secretary; Jewel Whitfield, La Porte Elementary principal; Lee Wallace, trustee; Kathy Green, trustee; Stephanie Cox, Lomax Junior High principal; Vicki Defee, La Porte Junior High principal; Dan Eubank, Jennie Reid Elementary principal; Vickie Gentile, Lomax Elementary principal; and Tami King, College Park Elementary principal.
Got A News Tip? Let Us Know At
The Bay Area Observer
College’s Expo 2011 To Showcase Music Of Every Student Ensemble
281-907-3140
or email us at editor@ bayareaobserver.com
La Porte ISD’s Lomax Elementary School Staff Honored
La Porte ISD’s Lomax Elementary School staff was honored at the Feb. 8 meeting of the LPISD Board of Trustees in recognition of the campus being nominated as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2011. Lomax was chosen by Texas Commissioner of Education Robert Scott as one of the 26 highest performing campuses in Texas, selected from among 8,435 Texas schools. Campuses recommended for nomination area selected through analysis of student assessment data. The announcement of the 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools will be made in September 2011, and honorees will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
ANCHOR REAL-ESTATE PROFESSIONAL REAL-ESTATE SERVICES
Buyer & Seller Representation • Investment & Property Management
NEW OFFICE OPEN IN SEABROOK 5% LISTINGS FREE BUYER & SELLER HOME WARRANTY IN HOUSE MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER
1717 2nd St. Suite B Seabrook, Texas 77586
281-942-9312 Cell 832-435-0001
Office
dlmc1957@yahoo.com
The San Jacinto College (SJC) Central music department will host Expo 2011, a gala concert featuring all of the Central campus performing ensembles, on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will be staged at the Dr. Monte Blue Music Building, located at 8060 Spencer Hwy., in Pasadena. The event will showcase a wide variety of musical styles. Central campus music groups that will be featured include the brass choir, concert band, chamber singers, Central campus chorale, jazz combo, jazz ensemble, steel drum band, string orchestra, and woodwind ensemble. The show will open in the atrium with the woodwind ensemble under the direction of Jeffrey Adams, followed in the Jan Corbin Concert Hall with a fanfare by the brass choir under the direction of Karen Marston, followed by a performance by the concert band, also directed by Marston. “This woodwind ensemble will consist of flutes, clarinets, and saxophones,” commented
Adams. The group will play an arrangement of a traditional British folk song “Molly on the Shore.” The jazz portion of the concert will follow the concert band. Adams will showcase both the jazz combo and the jazz ensemble. “The jazz combo is a small jazz group that displays more improvisatory elements in jazz styles,” Adams said. “This group will perform the standard jazz tune ‘Tangerine.’” The jazz ensemble is a larger group that produces a bigger sound. The jazz ensemble will perform a rendition of Weather Report’s “Birdland.” While moving to the band hall for a reception, a string quartet under the direction of Aaron Bielish will perform in the atrium. During the reception, the audience will be entertained by SJC student composer Aaron Janeke’s composition, which will be performed by student violinist Ruthanne Price. At the reception, the steel drum band will also perform two new arrangements by Trinidadian pan artist Sophia Subero. Subero will also be the guest artist at the steel drum band spring concert in April. As the audience returns to the recital hall, the chamber choir will perform in the atrium. For the final part of the show in the recital hall, Austin Baker, a sophomore percussion major, will perform Bach on the Marimba. The College’s orchestra will also perform under the direction of Bielish. The conclusion of the program will be the finale from Rutter’s Gloria, featuring the combined choirs, the brass ensemble, and organist Dr. Martha Braswell. San Jacinto College offers a wide range of music courses and degree plans, as well as private music lessons at all three campuses.
Residential • Commercial • Industrial New Construction • Remodels • Repairs • Panel Upgrades Maintenance • Emergencies • Generators • Wastewater
Independent Electrical Management Solutions WWW.ELECTRICALMANAGEMENTSOLUTIONS.COM LICENSED & INSURED TECL #27798
713-459-6675
TMEL #233562
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 7
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Neil Simon’s, Barefoot In The Park, At Clear Creek Community Theatre
Opening February 18th at Clear Creek Community Theatre is Neil Simon’s romantic-comedy, Barefoot in the Park. Set in 1963 in a dilapidated, sixth-floor walk-up, Barefoot in the Park, was inspired by the playwrights first marriage. It’s about newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter. Paul is a strait-laced attorney and Corie a free spirit, who must contend with a lack of heat, a skylight that leaks snow, several long
flights of stairs, oddball neighbor Victor Velasco, and Corie’s wellmeaning mother Mrs. Banks. After an adventurous dinner out with Victor and Mrs. Banks the couple has their first fight during which Corie decides Paul is a “stuffed shirt,” not right for her, and should be more spontaneous, running “barefoot in the park” would be a start. This Tony Award winning play will run February 18th through
March 6th. Curtains are at 8PM Friday and Saturday nights with Sunday matinees at 2:30 and tickets are $14.00 for adults, $12.00 for students and seniors and $10.00 for groups of 10 or more. Clear Creek Community Theatre is located at 18091 Upper Bay Road in Nassau Bay. Visit the theatre’s website at www.clearcreekcommunitytheatre.org. For reservations call 281-335-5228.
Ed Hill And Suzanne Bloom: Manual On Books
Galveston Arts Center is pleased to present Ed Hill and Suzanne Bloom: MANUAL on books, featuring a new series of work by this Houston-based collaborative artistic team. The exhibition will open during the March 12th ArtWalk and remain on view through April 24, 2011. Curator Clint Willour will lead a gallery talk with the artists at 6:30 pm during ArtWalk. MANUAL on books is a selection of photographs from MANUAL’s extended Book Project, a celebration, paean or praise of the “book.” MANUAL’s new explorations are a visual meditation on the “book,” incorporating the vocabulary of conceptual image construction with the creative energy of spontaneous and intuitive response. Considered pioneers of digital imaging, in this new work the artists embed their technological mastery, opting instead for seamless statements aimed at canny, utilitarian silence. Bloom and Hill write, “Our project… [is] a celebration of, a paean or praise to the ‘book.’ We should be clear that the ‘book’ is not so much the subject of our project as it is the object, i.e., our attention focuses on the material, the physical reality of books, their ‘thingness.’ As aesthetic and sculptural as books may be, they are primarily functional objects and their form fits their function. We have tried diligently to keep this in mind while making visual exclamations as to their happy presence
in our lives. Essentially, we are operating in the genre of still life although it feels much more as though we are staging little dramas on a very small stage.” Suzanne Bloom and Ed Hill began their artistic collaboration in 1974 adopting MANUAL as a nom d’artiste. Although the originating moment for the choice of MANUAL as a name is long forgotten, the impetus for connecting to it’s several connotations remains clear: art as (manual) labor, and art as instructional medium (a manual providing insight and information). The fact that in 1985 their work took a dramatic turn toward the use of electronic rather than manual means is not inconsistent with the underlying irony which runs throughout their work. Ed Hill was born in Springfield, MA, and received a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design in 1957, and MFA from Yale University in 1960. Suzanne Bloom was born in Philadelphia where she attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, received a BFA in 1965 and MFA in 1968, both from the University of Pennsylvania. Both artists joined the faculty of the Art Department at the University of Houston in 1976 where they continue to teach. MANUAL’s photographs, videotapes, computer programs and animations, and installations have been shown in 35 solo and over 200 group exhibitions held in 12 countries, 29 states, and 82 cities. Separately and together Bloom and Hill have received numerous grants including an NEA/Rockefeller Interdisciplinary Arts Fellowship, and several NEA Artists’ Fellowships in photography and video. Galveston Arts Center is operating in a temporary downtown gallery space—the site of the former Maceo’s Spice and Import Company located on the corner of Market and 25th Streets. The administrative offices are also at this location. The gallery and selections from GAC’s retail gallery, ArtWorks, are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday by appointment only. A flyer listing all ArtWalk participants with times and locations can be downloaded at www.contemporaryartgalveston.org
CLASSIFIED DISPLAY RATE...........................................$8.50 p.c.i. (Classifieds display ads can contain a border and bolded letters)
CLASSIFIED ADS
CLASSIFIED LINER ADS First 20 Words (initial insertion)...................................................$7.50 First 20 Words (subsequent insertions)...........................................$4.50 Additional Words.............................................................10 cents each LEGAL NOTICES Legal Notices . $8.00 per column inch Liquor legals . $10.00 per column inch Classified deadlines are 10 a.m. each Monday
SERVICES
ALL CLEAN LAUNDRY 1109 S. BROADWAY
LA PORTE WASHATERIA DROP OFF SERVICE AVAILABLE OPEN DAILY 5AM - 9PM “Come Clean With Us”
HELP WANTED
Hiring Agents High split, no desk fee Anchor Real-Estate 1717 2nd St. Suite B Seabrook dlmc1957@ yahoo.com DRIVER CDL-A Stay loaded and earn big! Our drivers run more miles. $500 sign-on bonus, new trucks coming soon. Flatbed division CDL-A, TWIC card and good driving record. Western Express; 1-866863-4117 DRIVER CDL-A: Regional runs; I-35 corridor, stay in Texas, home most weekends. Great pay, benefits, paid orientation, 8 month OTR experience. deBoer Transportation Inc. 1-888730-9312 DRIVERS-OAKLEY TRANSPORT OTR positions now available in your area. New equipment, premium pay package, great
benefits. Need Hazmat and TWIC card. Call 1-877882-6537 for your opportunity today! www.oakleytransport.com
1-877-242-1276 or dreynolds@madl.com
DRIVER- Up to 3¢ performance pay in 1st year. Weekly hometime, average 2,400 miles/week! Local orientation. Daily or weekly pay. CDL-A, 6 months OTR experience. 1-800414-9569. www.driveknight.com
CASH NOW! GET cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G.Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-7388536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.
DRIVERS-ASAP! New pay increase; 34¢-40¢ cpm. Excellent benefits, need CDL-A and 3 months recent OTR. 1-877-258-8782, www.meltontruck.com DRIVERS-OWNER OPERATOR! $2000 sign-on bonus paid in 60 days! New pay increase. Paid FSC. Home daily with local and regional runs based out of Dallas. Call Comtrak at 1-866-338-2958 or apply online at www.comtraklogistics.com DRIVERS-FOOD TANKER drivers needed OTR positions available now. CDL-A with Tanker required. Outstanding pay & benefits; call a recruiter today! 1-877-810-1041, www.oakleytransport.com NATIONAL CARRIERS needs O/O’s. Lease purchase. Company drivers for it’s expanding fleet. Offering Regional/OTR runs. Outstanding pay package, excellent benefits, generous hometime. 1-888-707-7729 www.nationalcarriers.com SLT $3000 BONUS team drivers needed. Class ACDL with Hazmat and 2 years experience. Teams split up to $1.10/mile. Flatbed owner operators $1.40/ mile. 1-800-835-9471. THE MASON & DIXON Lines; Experienced Owner/ Operators wanted, daily settlements, no forced dispatch, fuel discount programs, flatbed & van divisions. Contact Donna,
FINANCIAL
$10,000 OR MORE in debt? Credit cards, store cards, medical bills. Help eliminate harassing calls. Debt free in 12-48 months. Free consultation, 1-800631-9149. Debt Help Experts
REAL ESTATE HOMES
For Sale or Lease to Own Lovely 4-2.5 home w/pool New paint & carpet 2500 sq ft Clear lake Forest Sub
$1800 month + deposit. $225,000 to purchase.
Call 832 303-4880 LOTS & ACREAGE
Lot For Sale
75 x 110 On The 16th Green - Wildwood Resort. 18 Hole Golf Course, 360 Acre Lake, 24 Hour Security.
$8,000
281-793-7961
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST VIEW Lake Medina/Bandera 1/4 acre tract, central W/S/E, RV/motor home/house, OK only $830 down $235 month (12.91%/10yr), Guaranteed financing, More information call 1-830-460-8354
APARTMENTS
Having A Garage Sale? Advertise It In
WINDSAIL BAY
The Bay Area Observer
LA PORTE
281-907-3140
APARTMENTS 3141 S. BROADWAY
281-471-3061 ONE BEDROOM ONE BATH TWO BEDROOM 11/2 BATH FOR SALE AUTOMOTIVE
1988
Volkswagen Convertible
$400
or best offer
Needs a little work. Won’t start. 281-471-6131 MISC.
Bird Cage
For Large Birds
$65
or best offer 30”x50”x37”
281-471-6131
SUBSCRIBE TO THE
BAY AREA OBSERVER 25 PER YEAR
FOR ONLY $
52 Issues a Year
Paid subscribers receive the Bay Area Observer by mail. Fill out the information below and mail in with your payment in the amount of $25.00 made payable to:
The Bay Area Observer • P.O. Box 305, Seabrook, TX. 77586
281-907-3140 Name:_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Shoppers with a nose for bargains head straight for the Classifieds. In the Classifieds, you can track down deals on everything from cars to canine companions. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you want, and it’s used by hundreds of area shoppers every day.
NOW $7.50 buys 20 words
Go with your instincts and use the Classifieds today.
The Bay Area Observer
P.O. Box 305 • Seabrook, Texas 77586
Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________________________________ State:__________________ Zip:_____________________ Phone:_______________________________________________________________________________________________ VISA
MASTERCARD
Credit Card #:__________________________________________ Exp. Date:_______/_______ CVV #:______________ 3 digit code on back of card
Signature:_____________________________________________________________ Date:_________________________
PAGE 8
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2011
IN THE GARDEN Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
One of the most widely used herbs and spices in the world are derived from the same plant, Coriandrum sativum. The leaves of this plant are frequently referred to as cilantro, while the seeds are most commonly called coriander. Depending on the cuisine, the entire plant is used for the various flavors and aromas that are present in each constituent part. Originally grown around present day Greece, cilantro has been used as a culinary herb since at least 5,000 B.C. It is mentioned
in Sanskrit text and the Bible. Pliny the Elder (23-79 A.D.) used the name Coriandrum after “coris”, the Greek word for “bedbug” as it was said they both emitted a similar odor. Spanish conquistadors introduced it to Mexico and Peru where it now commonly pairs with chilies in the local cuisine. Cilantro leaves have pungent smell described by some as “soapy” The stems also have a strong odor and flavor. Some people think of cilantro as an acquired taste, but here in Texas it is very popular. Leaves and stems pair well with piquant foods, such as in the cuisines of the US Southwest, Latin America, Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and in parts of northern Africa. Flavors are used to “lift” other flavors; they enhance and promote other pronounced flavors. Cilantro roots are used often used fresh as a base flavor for Asian soups. Cilantro leaves are always used fresh.. They are often sprinkled like parsley on cooked dishes, minced or puréed in sauces, soups and curries. In Thailand the root of the coriander/cilantro plant is used to flavor meats, curries and soups. In Mexico and the Southwestern U.S. it is used in everything from salsas and salads to burritos or meat dishes. Cilantro is considered an aid to the digestive system as well as an appetite stimulant. It is also rich in vitamin C. Cilantro is a fast growing annual reaching 12 - 24 inches tall. The entire plant including the leaves, the seeds and roots are all edible. It can easily be grown in pots. Simply pick or trim fresh leaves or whole stalks as required. The leaves get a stronger and sometimes disagreeable flavor as they get older and larger. Grow cilantro in a sunny part of your garden or landscape. The soil should be kept moist but well drained. Cilantro grows best under cool conditions while hot weather encourages it to flower. It is an excellent plant to grow in an herb garden.
Visit us on the web at www. bayareaobserver .com
Nassau Bay Garden Club Will Be Hosting A Flower Show On May 14th
Nassau Bay Garden Club members Charlotte Reem, Nancy Guthrie, and Anne Adams met recently to begin detail planning of their floral design competition at TAACCL on Saturday, May 14.
Local Students Provide Inspiration In conjunction with students from CCISD schools, local colleges, and The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, the Nassau Bay Garden Club will hold a floral design competition on Saturday, May 14. The students will provide artwork against which the garden club will create floral designs that complement the colors or themes the students provide. The floral designs will be professionally judged that day. Along with artwork and floral designs, fresh horticulture, also judged, will be displayed and identified with common and botanical names. All judging will take place on the morning of Saturday, May 14 and the public is invited to view the designs and horticulture in the afternoon. The artwork alone will be on display at TAACCL beginning April 21 through May 19. Nassau Bay Garden Club event co-chairmen Nancy Guthrie and Kelly Halbach anticipate local interest to be high for this first-time collaboration of creativity.
CUISINE East Texas Peanut Pie Ingredients • 3 eggs • 1/2 C. sugar • 1 1/4 C. dark corn syrup • 1/4 tsp. salt • 1/4 tsp. vanilla • 2 Tbsp. Butter Melted • 1 1/2 C. chopped roasted unsalted peanuts • 9-inch unbaked deep-dish pie shell Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Add sugar, corn syrup, butter, salt and vanilla. Continue to beat vigorously until blended. Stir in peanuts, then pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 375 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes. Serve warm or cold. May be topped with ice cream or whipped cream plus an additional sprinkle of chopped peanuts on the top.
The
Bay Area Observer If It Matters To You, It Matters To Us Call us at 281-907-3140 Find us on
Uphill’s Liquor “Come To Uphill’s For Your Spirit”
1021-A S. Broadway • La Porte
281-471-2132
“We Bring The Shop To You” AUTO, TRUCK & TRAILER
AZ INDUSTRIES 24 HOUR SERVICE
MOBILE MECHANIC SERVICE James G. Kopeck
291-991-7572 • 832-657-9383 www.azinductriesllc.com
P.J. Mock, Jr. M.D. Family Medicine • American Board of Family Medicine
1200 Highway 146, Suite 250 La Porte, Texas 77571 E-mail: pjmlptx@aol.com
Phone: (281) 471-0130 Fax: (281) 867-9241